In the early 18th century, slavery was accepted as necessary, useful, and in accord with Judeo-Christian tenets and virtues. By the mid-19th century, it had increasingly come to be viewed as the very quintessence of evil. The Encyclopedia is organized around three principal concerns: the illustration and explication of the various forms of antislavery and its emergence as an organized movement; the immediate precipitants of abolition and the processes of its passage; and the enactment of emancipation and its consequences. The entries have a worldwide focus, covering antislavery movements and important developments in slavery abolition and slave emancipation in many places around the globe. Other entries cover individuals, groups, events, documents, and organizations related to the history of abolition and emancipation over the last two centuries. The Encyclopedia addresses a wide range of topics, issues, and ideas related to the broad topic of ending historical systems of slavery and human bondage. In addition to over 400 cross-referenced entries, the Encyclopedia also includes an Introduction tracing the history of abolition and emancipation, a selected general bibliography, a guide to related topics, numerous illustrations, and a detailed subject index.